We went 2-2 in our picks for the first leg games of the playoffs. Really Puebla was the biggest disappointment. It was predictable that they were going to be willing to take more chances in their game at home. You just can’t completely abandon your responsibilities in the back or in midfield. The Santos versus Toluca game almost came out like we predicted. We didn’t necessarily see that many goals being scored, but if it wasn’t for that late penalty it would’ve been a draw. We are expecting another fun game for the weekend.
The other two games came out exactly how we predicted. We said that Tigres was going to find a way to pull through. Granted, they got some help from the refs, but a win is a win. That Cruz Azul – Rayados series is as tight as ever. It may very well be the hardest game to predict this time around.
Club America Once Again Pounces On Puebla
This is not a number that we necessarily like with Club America being favored at -200. We mentioned earlier in the week though. Puebla has nothing to lose at this point, and even when they did, they tried to go all out offensively. If they come out and want to be “aggressive” again there’s a good chance that they get blown out again. Even if Club America plays with their B team, Club America’s B team is more talented than Puebla’s A team.
Cruz Azul’s Number On The Road Is Appealing
We wouldn’t necessarily want to endorse this result. If Gonzalo Carneiro is missing for Cruz Azul up top that could limit their chances for sure. We love the +350 number for the Cruz Azul win here though. This is one of those bets that could be good if you got some extra cash lying around. The number is too good for a game that we don’t expect to be that one sided. Even though Rayados has had Cruz Azul’s number as of late to think that the game in Monterrey is going to be completely different from the one we saw in Mexico City is probably not realistic.
Santos Laguna Get Revenge On Toluca
The current number is Santos -134 at home. This is potentially the pick that we are most certain about this week. Toluca has shown that they are very weak defensively, and Santos is coming into the game needing a win. This matchup could once again provide us with an all out slug fest. Neither team looks solid in the backend. That could be a problem for either of the two that ends up advancing. We’re hoping here that Santos can avoid some of the mental mistakes that cost them goals in the first leg to go ahead and put Toluca away. No matter what happens this is not a game that we see ending in a draw.
Tigres Is Able To Play Pachuca To A Draw
Tigres’ experience is a factor that can’t be overlooked in this matchup. Last night Pachuca had them on the ropes from the middle of the second half onward, and they weren’t able to finish the job. That was due in large part to the great game that Nahuel Guzman had. Tigres is going to need their goalkeeper to be on his game in this second matchup as well. With Tigres being up in the scoreboard we just feel that they’re going to be able to play efficient defense throughout the game. It only takes a half decent opportunity for Gignac to cause damage. When it’s all set and done we hope that Tigres can keep the score level. The tie pays +250, and we like that number all things considered.
